Juicer cartridge including a secondary compartment associated with an outlet

ABSTRACT

Embodiments related to juicing methods and apparatuses for extracting juice from food matter using juicer cartridges are described. In one embodiment, a juicer cartridge may include one or more separate internal compartments. Food matter loaded into the juicer cartridge may be compressed by a corresponding juicer and expelled through an outlet that may be sealed until activation. Food matter may be pre-sized according to various physical characteristics, and the juicer cartridge may be injected with a gas to enhance shelf life and reduce nutrient loss. The juicer may also be provided with “smart” functionality to provide safety features, track usage, and enhance the operator experience. Several embodiments of packing systems for preparing juicer cartridges are also described.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Patent ApplicationSerial No. PCT/US2014/034676, filed Apr. 18, 2014, entitled “JUICINGSYSTEMS AND METHODS, which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/962,316, filed on May 10, 2013, entitled“MODULAR CARTRIDGE-BASED JUICER SYSTEM AND METHODS THEREOF”. Each ofthese are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Disclosed embodiments are related to juicing systems and methods.

BACKGROUND

Devices for extracting fresh juice from food matter such as fruits andvegetables have been developed over the years for both home andcommercial markets. Typical commercial juicers tend to be large,expensive, and are unsuitable for home or small retail environments.Systems more suitable for home and small retail environments haveutilized several different methods for extracting juice from the foodmatter as described below.

In centrifugal-type juicers, food matter is fed through a chute, orother entrance, where a set of mechanical blades rotating at a highspeed cut and/or grind the food matter to a pulp. Centripetal force isthen applied by rapidly rotating the food matter to separate juice fromthe pulp through a filter. A second type of home and retail juicer is amasticating juicer which uses an auger to crush the food matter into apulp. The resulting pulp is further compressed by the auger to extractjuice through an associated filter. Another type of juicer is ahydraulic press juicer which typically uses a hydraulic press tocompress food matter between one or more surfaces that are in directcontact with the food matter to extract the juice.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a juicer cartridge includes food matter as well asone or more liquid permeable compartments adapted and arranged to atleast partially surround the food matter. A liquid impermeablecompartment at least partially surrounds the one or more liquidpermeable compartments. Further, compressing the juicer cartridgecompresses the food matter to extract juice from the food matter. Duringjuice extraction, the extracted juice flows from the one or more liquidpermeable compartments to the liquid impermeable compartment and thenfrom the liquid impermeable compartment to outside of the juicercartridge.

In another embodiment, a juicer cartridge includes a plurality ofcompartments adapted to contain food matter. The plurality ofcompartments are adapted to be compressed by a juicer to extract juicefrom the food matter. An outlet is associated with the plurality ofcompartments. One or more filters are also associated with at least oneof the outlet and the plurality of compartments. One or more seals areassociated with at least one of the outlet and the plurality ofcompartments.

In yet another embodiment, a juicer cartridge includes a plurality ofcompartments adapted to contain food matter. The plurality ofcompartments are adapted to be compressed by a juicer to extract juicefrom the food matter. An outlet is also associated with the plurality ofcompartments.

In another embodiment, a juicer includes a region adapted to receive oneor more juicer cartridges, and a pressing element adapted to applypressure to the one or more juice cartridges. The region and thepressing element are adapted and arranged to dispense fluid extractedfrom the one or more juicer cartridges. The juicer also includes atemperature regulation element adapted to control a temperature of theone or more juicer cartridges.

In yet another embodiment, a juicer includes a region adapted to receiveone or more compressible juicer cartridges including an outlet andcontaining food matter. The juicer also includes a pressing elementadapted to apply pressure to the one or more juice cartridges. Theregion and the pressing element are adapted and arranged to dispensefluid extracted from the one or more juicer cartridges without theextracted fluid or food matter directly contacting the region orpressing element.

In another embodiment, a method of juicing food matter includes:positioning one or more juicer cartridges in a region of a juicer;arranging an outlet of the one or more juicer cartridges at a dispensingpoint of the juicer; applying a pressure to the one or more juicercartridges using a pressing element to extract juice from food mattercontained therein; and dispensing the extracted juice from the outletwithout the extracted juice or food matter directly contacting thepressing element or region.

In yet another embodiment, a juicer cartridge that can be used in ajuicer includes a sealed primary compartment, one or more membranes thatcan filter compressed food matter, and means for allowing the passage ofliquid from the cartridge into the outside environment upon activationof the cartridge. Further, the juicer cartridge is adapted to becompressed in a juicer. In some embodiments, the sealed primarycompartment further includes a plurality of secondary compartments. Incertain embodiments, the secondary compartments each contain a quantityof food matter. Depending on the embodiment, the food matter is sizedrelative to at least one physical characteristic of the food matter suchas, for example, at least one of water content, density, hardness, fibercontent, and freshness. In some embodiments, the cartridge issubstantially transparent.

In another embodiment, a juicer includes a means for compressing foodmatter held in a juicer cartridge and a housing defining a compartmentfor receiving the cartridge. Further, the cartridge further includes asealed primary compartment, one or more filters, such as a membrane,that can filter compressed food matter, and means for allowing thepassage of liquid from the container into the outside environment uponactivation of the juicer cartridge. The means for compressing the foodmatter does not directly contact the food matter during extraction.

In yet another embodiment, a juicer cartridge includes a firstcompartment containing between about 0.03 kg and 0.6 kg of food matter.When the first compartment is compressed by an associated juicer, thefood matter yields a ratio of juice volume to food matter mass that isbetween about 0.4 L/kg to 0.85 L/kg.

In another embodiment, a juicer includes a first pressing element and asecond pressing element. The first pressing element and the secondpressing element define a pressing chamber constructed and arranged tocontain an associated juicer cartridge. The juicer also includes a driveconstructed and arranged to displace the second pressing element towardsthe first pressing element. The drive is constructed and arranged toapply between about 6700 N to 35,600 N to the juicer cartridge during afinal portion of the second pressing element displacement. The finalportion of the second pressing element displacement corresponds tobetween about 3 mm to 13 mm of travel.

In yet another embodiment, a juicer includes a first pressing elementand a second pressing element. The first pressing element and the secondpressing element define a pressing chamber constructed and arranged tocontain an associated juicer cartridge. The juicer also includes a driveconstructed and arranged to displace the second pressing element towardsthe first pressing element. The drive is constructed and arranged toapply between about 7750 N to 44,500 N to the juicer cartridge during afinal portion of the second pressing element displacement. The finalportion of the second pressing element displacement corresponds tobetween about 5 mm to 20 mm of travel.

In another embodiment, a juicer includes a first pressing element and asecond pressing element. The first pressing element and the secondpressing element define a pressing chamber constructed and arranged tocontain an associated juicer cartridge. The juicer also includes a driveconstructed and arranged to displace the second pressing element towardsthe first pressing element. The drive is constructed and arranged toapply between about 8900 N to 53,400 N to the juicer cartridge during afinal portion of the second pressing element displacement. The finalportion of the second pressing element displacement corresponds tobetween about 9 mm to 30 mm of travel.

In yet another embodiment, a juicer cartridge includes a firstcompartment containing food matter and a second compartment. The firstcompartment is disposed in the second compartment. When the juicercartridge is positioned within a pressing chamber of an associatedjuicer, a cross-sectional area of the second compartment issubstantially equal to an area of a pressing surface within the pressingchamber. Additionally, prior to compression, a cross-sectional area ofthe first compartment is less than the area of the pressing surface.

In another embodiment, a juicer includes a first pressing elementincluding a first pressing surface. The first pressing element isstationary. The juicer also includes a second pressing elementcomprising at least one sidewall and a top wall defining a secondpressing surface. The at least one sidewall and the top wall define anopen chamber with the first pressing element. The open chamber is sizedand shaped to accept a juicer cartridge. A drive of the juicer isconstructed and arranged to apply a force to the at least one sidewallthat displaces the second pressing element towards the first pressingelement.

In yet another embodiment, a juicer cartridge includes a compartmentcontaining a volume of liquid. The compartment is constructed andarranged to be compressed by an associated juicer. The juicer cartridgealso includes an outlet in fluid communication with the compartment. Theoutlet is constructed and arranged to extend out from the juicer suchthat at least a portion of the outlet is not compressed by the juicer.

In another embodiment, a juicer includes a first pressing elementincluding a first pressing surface and a second pressing elementincluding a second pressing surface. The first pressing surface and thesecond pressing surface define a pressing chamber constructed andarranged to accept an associated juicer cartridge. Additionally, atleast a portion of the first pressing surface includes a concavesurface.

In yet another embodiment, a juicer includes a first pressing elementwith a first pressing surface and a second pressing element with asecond pressing surface. The first pressing surface includes a pluralityof grooves that provide a first pressing area that is larger a firstprojecting area of the first pressing surface.

In another embodiment, a juicer cartridge includes a first compartmentcontaining food matter and a second sealed compartment. The firstcompartment is disposed within the second compartment. Additionally, thesecond compartment contains a gas volume that is sufficient to space atleast a portion of the second compartment from the first compartment.

In yet another embodiment, a juicer cartridge includes a firstcompartment constructed and arranged to contain food matter. The firstcompartment is constructed and arranged to be compressed by a juicer toextract juice from the food matter. The juicer cartridge also includesan outlet in fluid communication with the first compartment. The outletincludes a first layer located adjacent to a second layer, and the firstlayer and the second layer cooperate to form a valve. Fluid flow duringactive compression by the juicer during juice extraction opens thevalve.

In another embodiment, a method includes: reading an indicator on acartridge containing food matter; retrieving information related to thecartridge using the indicator; and at least one of controlling anoperation of an appliance based on the retrieved information and/orcapturing user behavior using the retrieved information.

It should be appreciated that the foregoing concepts, and additionalconcepts discussed below, may be arranged in any suitable combination,as the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. Further, otheradvantages and novel features of the present disclosure will becomeapparent from the following detailed description of various non-limitingembodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In thedrawings, each identical or nearly identical component that isillustrated in various figures may be represented by a like numeral. Forpurposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in everydrawing. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of a juicer witha loaded juicer cartridge;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the juicer and juicer cartridgeof FIG. 1 after pressing;

FIG. 3A is a schematic representation of one embodiment of a juicercartridge;

FIGS. 3B-3C are schematic representations of exemplary filters locatedin the juicer cartridge of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a schematic representation of one embodiment of a juicerpouch system;

FIG. 4B is a schematic representation of the juicer pouch system of FIG.4A in an open position;

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of a reusablejuicer cartridge;

FIG. 6A is a schematic representation of one embodiment of a juicer anda reusable juicer cartridge;

FIG. 6B is a schematic representation of the juicer and reusable juicercartridge of FIG. 6A after being compressed;

FIG. 7A is a schematic representation of a juicer cartridge includingseparate compartments located within an exterior pouch;

FIG. 7B is a schematic representation of a juicer cartridge includingseparate compartments with separate seals and filters located within anexterior pouch;

FIG. 7C is a schematic representation of one embodiment of a juicercartridge including separate compartments and a combining chamberconnected to an outlet;

FIG. 8A is a schematic perspective view of a juicer cartridge;

FIG. 8B is a schematic perspective view of the juicer cartridge of FIG.8A with the detachable portion of the outlet removed;

FIG. 8C is a schematic cross-sectional view of a juicer cartridge;

FIG. 8D is a schematic cross-sectional view of an outlet including adetachable portion;

FIG. 9A is a schematic exploded perspective view of a pouch configuredand arranged to contain food matter;

FIG. 9B is a schematic exploded perspective view of a pouch configuredand arranged to contain food matter;

FIG. 9C is a schematic exploded perspective view of a pouch configuredand arranged to contain food matter;

FIG. 10A is a schematic exploded perspective view of a single liquidpermeable pouch contained within an outer shell and sealing layer;

FIG. 10B is a schematic exploded perspective view of a burstable pouchcontained within an outer shell and sealing layer;

FIG. 10C is a schematic exploded perspective view of a plurality ofburstable pouches contained within an outer shell and sealing layer;

FIG. 11A is a schematic perspective view of a juicer;

FIG. 11B is a schematic perspective view of a juicer cartridge beinginserted into a juicer;

FIG. 11C-11E are schematic perspective views of a juicer cartridgelocated within a juicer;

FIG. 11F is a schematic perspective view of a juicer cartridge beingcompressed by a juicer;

FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective exploded view of a juicer and anassociated juicer cartridge;

FIG. 13A is a schematic perspective view of a juicer prior tocompressing an associated juicer cartridge;

FIG. 13B is a schematic perspective view of a juicer after actuation;

FIG. 13C is a schematic side view of a juicer with a juicer cartridgepositioned therein and an associated glass;

FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of a roller press mechanism;

FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of a packing system for fillingjuicer cartridges; and

FIG. 16 is a graph of pressing force versus platen height for a varietyof fruits, vegetables, and greens during juice extraction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The inventors have recognized drawbacks related to the use of typicaljuicers such as centrifugal juicers, masticating juicers, and typicalpress juicers. More specifically, these types of juicers are exposed tofood matter and extracted liquids during use. Due to the use of complexmechanisms within these juicers, crushed and/or pulped food matter leftafter juice extraction may become entrapped in the machinery of thesejuicers, making cleanup difficult. If not completely cleaned, undetectedfood matter left behind within a juicer may become a food safety hazard.In addition to difficult clean up, the metal blades of centrifugaljuicers, and to a lesser extent the auger of masticating juicers, mayimpart heat to the food matter during processing. Studies have shownthat the heat introduced during this type of juicing can kill offdesirable nutrients and/organic compounds, making the juice lesshealthy. Centrifugal juicers also tend to be noisy.

In view of the above, the inventors have recognized numerous benefitsassociated with a juicer system capable of overcoming one or more of theabove noted and/or other disadvantages associated with prior systems.For example, the inventors have found that delivering fresh juice fromfood matter while minimizing and/or eliminating contact between thejuicer and the associated food matter and/or extracted juice may beadvantageous. Minimizing or eliminating contact with the extracted juiceand food matter may help to reduce, or possibly eliminate, complex andmessy cleanup associated with using a juicer in addition to improvedsanitary conditions. The inventors have also recognized that in someinstances it is desirable to impart minimal heat to the food matterduring processing to help retain the health benefits associated with theextracted juice.

In one embodiment, a juicer may be adapted and configured to receive oneor more juicer cartridges containing food matter, such as fruits orvegetables, or other types of edible products as will be describedbelow. For example, the juicer might include a region to receive the oneor more juicer cartridges. The juicer may then dispense servings ofjuice by interacting with the one or more juicer cartridges containingfood matter. In one embodiment, the juicer may extract juice from thejuicer cartridges by compressing the juicer cartridges with a pressingelement such as one or more displaceable platens. Alternatively, otherways of applying pressure to a juicer cartridge including, for example,rollers, a sphincter, a twisting mechanism, a roll up mechanism, avacuum mechanism, a vibration mechanism, a centrifugal arrangement, anauger, or any other appropriate mechanism might be used as thedisclosure is not so limited. Depending on the embodiment, juice may bedelivered from an outlet of the cartridge without directly contactingthe juicer, thus avoiding contamination of the juicer during use.However, juice may also be delivered such that juice does contact aportion of a juicer prior to being dispensed as the disclosure is not solimited. In view of the above, a juicer can provide one or more servings(e.g., a single serving) of freshly squeezed juice with minimal effortand minimal mess.

As noted above, exposing food matter to high temperatures may impact thenutritional value of juice extracted from that food matter. In othercases, the food matter might be at too low a temperature for optimaljuice extraction. Consequently, in some embodiments, it may be desirableto include one or more temperature regulation elements capable ofcontrolling a temperature of one or more juicer cartridges locatedwithin a corresponding juicer. The one or more temperature regulationelements may either selectively cool and/or heat the food mattercontained within a juicer cartridge to a desired temperature and thenmaintain it at that temperature during juice extraction. This might beaccomplished in any number of ways including active heating elements,refrigeration or other cooling elements such a peltier chip, passiveheating systems such as baffles exposed to an airflow, or any otherappropriate heating or cooling system. Additionally, the one or moretemperature regulation elements may be located within any appropriateportion of a juicer. For example, one or more temperature regulationelements might be located in a pressing element of a juicer or theymight be located on another surface within a region adapted andconfigured to contain the one or more juicer cartridges.

In another embodiment, a juicer cartridge for use in a correspondingjuicer, may include one or more internal compartments associated with anoutlet of the juicer cartridge. In some embodiments, the one or moreinternal compartments may be separated from one another and/or theoutlet by one or more filters, such as one or more porous filteringmembranes. The one or more internal compartments of the juicer cartridgemay also be loaded with food matter and adapted such that the juicercartridge can be compressed by a corresponding juicer to expel extractedjuice through the outlet. Depending on the embodiment, the outlet and/orthe one or more internal compartments may be sealed until activation.For example, the one or more seals may be pressure burstable sealsand/or seals that may be pierced or cut by a corresponding mechanism ona juicer.

In some embodiments, a juicer cartridge may be a single pouch withcompartments formed therein. In other embodiments, a juicer cartridgemay correspond to a liquid permeable pouch at least partially containedwithin a liquid impermeable pouch. For example, a liquid permeablecompartment arranged and adapted to contain a liquid containing foodmatter may be formed from an appropriate filter material such as afiltration membrane, a nonwoven filtration material, a filtration mesh,or other appropriate material. Depending on the embodiment, the liquidpermeable compartment may completely, or partially, surround the foodmatter. The corresponding liquid impermeable compartment may then bearranged such that it at least partially, or completely, surrounds theliquid permeable compartment. When the juicer cartridge is compressed,both the inner liquid permeable compartment and the outer liquidimpermeable compartment are compressed. Correspondingly, the food mattercontained therein is also compressed resulting in juice extraction. Theextracted juice may flow from the liquid permeable compartment throughthe filter material and into the liquid impermeable compartment. Theliquid may then flow to outside of the juicer cartridge through anyappropriate outlet.

In embodiments in which juice is extracted from food matter contained inmultiple separate compartments, it may be beneficial to combine theextracted juice into a single stream dispensed through an outlet. In onesuch embodiment, multiple internal compartments may be associated with asingle outlet. These compartments may also be in fluid communicationwith a combining chamber, which can be formed as a channel, or otherappropriate structure, in fluid communication with the outlet. Dependingon the embodiment, the multiple internal compartments may either be indirect fluid communication with the combining chamber, or they may beconnected to the combining chamber through one or more secondarychannels. In view of the above, juice extracted from food matter locatedwithin the multiple compartments may flow from the compartments into thecombining chamber where these separate flows of liquid may be combinedand/or mixed and subsequently dispensed through the outlet as a singlestream. Depending on the embodiment, mixing features such as helicalvanes, features to induce turbulent flow, or other appropriatestructures may be located within the combining chamber to aid in mixingthe separate flows of liquid.

In some instances, it may be desirable to prevent liquid dripping froman outlet of a juicer cartridge and/or contamination entering the juicercartridge prior to juice extraction. Consequently, in some embodiments,an outlet of a juicer cartridge may be sealed prior to activation. Theseal may either be a pressure burstable seal, a peel away seal that ismanually removed prior to usage, or a seal capable of being pierced orcut either manually or by a mechanism on a corresponding juicer. Itshould be understood that other types of seals might also be used. Inaddition to incorporating a seal, the outlet may also incorporate dripproof features to avoid dripping after juice extraction. Appropriatedrip proof features may include a valve, a capillary, deformablematerials capable of being deformed to a closed position, absorbentmaterials located within the outlet, a retractable outlet or spout, azipper like closure, a pressable mechanical seal, sticker labels appliedto the outlet, spray or surface treatments (e.g. a hydrophobic coatingapplied to an inner surface of the outlet), or any appropriate geometry,feature, structure, or component capable of reducing or eliminatingdripping after juice extraction. In addition to various featuresassociated with the outlet which may help prevent dripping, in someembodiments after juice extraction, the pressing elements, or otherpressing device, may be opened slightly, or otherwise operated, suchthat the force applied to the pulp is reduced. This reduction in appliedforce results in the pulp expanding from a first smaller volume to asecond larger volume. The volume expansion will apply a suction to juicelocated within the outlet, and will draw juice located within the outletback into the juicer cartridge interior.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable for a juicer cartridge toprotect the food matter contained therein from being compressed prior tojuice extraction. Without wishing to be bound by theory, at least one ofthe benefits associated with avoiding compression of the food matterprior to juice extraction is preventing the premature purging of juicefrom the flesh of the produce. Preventing purging of juice prior toextraction may also extend the shelf life of the product since the foodmatter is not exposed to liquid which may accelerate degradation of thefood matter. In view of the above, in some embodiments, a juicercartridge may be constructed and arranged to collapse within a juicerduring juice extraction while providing sufficient structural strengthto prevent inadvertent collapse of the juicer cartridge duringprocessing and handling outside of the juicer. While any appropriatecartridge with an appropriate strength may be used, in some embodiments,the juicer cartridge may be constructed and arranged to survive theequivalent of a five foot drop onto the ground. This drop distance, maybe equivalent to someone dropping a juicer cartridge from a counter, ora shipping box getting crushed. In addition to the above, a juicercartridge may be constructed and arranged such that multiple juicercartridges can be stacked on one another during shipping withoutcrushing the juicer cartridges.

By optimizing juice extraction for each type of food matter containedwithin a juicer cartridge, it may be possible to avoid under or overextraction of the different types of food matter. Therefore, in someinstances, it may be desirable for the different types of food mattercontained within a juicer cartridge to be presized according to variousphysical characteristics. More specifically, in some embodiments, theseparate types of food matter may be individually sized such that juiceextraction may be completed from each type of food matter atsubstantially the same time. The sizing of different types of foodmatter may be selected based on physical characteristics such as watercontent, density, hardness, fiber content, freshness, and otherappropriate characteristics. Without wishing to be bound by theory,smaller food matter sizes will result in increased surface area and thusincreased juice extraction for a given pressure. Therefore, food matterthat is more difficult to obtain juice from due to characteristics suchas decreased water content and increased hardness may have smaller sizesthan softer food matter with larger water content.

Depending on the embodiment, food matter contained in separatecompartments of a juicer cartridge may be filtered individually.Embodiments incorporating individual filters for each compartment mayoffer several benefits. For example, the filters associated with eachcompartment may be selected based on physical characteristics of thefood matter contained therein. These characteristics may include suchthings as: fiber content; cut size of the food matter; removal of seedsand shell fragments; and other appropriate physical characteristics. Byselecting filters based on the above noted physical characteristics, adesired flow rate of the extracted juice, a desired amount of pulp orfiber in the extracted juice, desired taste, texture, bitterness, mouthfeel, and other possible benefits may be obtained. While embodimentsincluding individual filters are discussed above, embodiments in whichthe compartments are filtered together through a single filter are alsopossible.

In one embodiment, a juicer cartridge may include both wet and dryingredients that are combined during juice extraction by a juicer. Inone such embodiment, a dry ingredient may be disposed within a firstcompartment of the juicer cartridge and a liquid, or liquid containingfood matter, may be disposed within a second compartment of the juicercartridge. The second compartment of the juicer cartridge may beassociated with the first compartment such that during juice extractionin a corresponding juicer, liquid may flow from the second compartmentto the first compartment where the liquid may be combined with the dryingredient. The dry ingredient may either be suspended within theliquid, or it may be dissolved within the liquid, as the disclosure isnot so limited. After combining the ingredients, the combined mixturemay then flow from the first compartment through an outlet of the juicercartridge. In addition to combining the dry ingredient and liquid, insome embodiments, one or more mixing features may be located in eitherthe first compartment or a channel associated with the first compartmentto aid in combining the dry ingredient and liquid. Appropriate mixingfeatures may include helical vanes, features to induce turbulent flow,or other appropriate structures. The first and second compartments mayeither be separate, or one may be contained within the other as thecurrent disclosure is not so limited. For example, the secondcompartment might correspond to a burstable pouch or tablet containing agel, powder, dissolvable substance, or other desired material locatedwithin the first compartment. In such an embodiment, the secondcompartment may burst to permit mixing of the liquid with the dryingredient. Alternatively, a crushable material or tablet may be locatedwithin a compartment such that it is crushed and mixed with the juiceduring extraction. Other possible arrangements for combining a dryingredient with a liquid within the juicer cartridge are alsocontemplated. For example, while a compartment containing a burstablepouch has been described, in some embodiments a reservoir containing theburstable pouch, tablet, and/or dissolvable material is located along aflow path of the juicer cartridge, such as, for example, within theoutlet or spout of a juicer cartridge. Possible ingredients that may bedelivered in the ways described above include, but are not limited to,flavorings, additives, and dietary supplements such as proteinsupplements, vitamins, extracts, minerals, dried fruits, driedvegetables, nuts, herbs, freeze dried oils, spices, alcohol, and anyother desired consumable substance.

In some instances, a user may desire to compost food matter containedwithin a juicer cartridge and recycle the juicer cartridge itself. Insuch an embodiment, a juicer cartridge may be adapted and arranged to beopened after juice extraction. Depending on the embodiment, peel-ablefilms, scored opening areas, removable sticker labels, or any otherappropriate arrangement capable of removing the food matter within ajuicer cartridge after juice extraction may be used to give access tothe inner contents of a cartridge. Consequently, juiced food mattercontained within the juicer cartridge may be removed for composting andthe remaining portions of the juicer cartridge may be recycled orotherwise disposed of.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable for a juicer cartridge toincorporate features to extend its shelf life and reduce nutrient lossof food matter contained therein. One possible way to increase shelflife may include filling a juicer cartridge with an inert gas that issubstantially nonreactive with the food matter following loading and/orvacuum packing. Suitable inert gasses include nitrogen, carbon dioxide,argon, and/or any other gas capable of reducing oxidation, moistureloss, nutrient loss, or degradation of the food matter as compared tonormal air. In other embodiments, a juicer cartridge may includefeatures to allow respiration of food matter and other ingredientscontained therein to help prevent degradation of the food matter duringstorage. This might be accomplished in any number of ways including, butnot limited to, use of breathable materials such as appropriatelytreated polymer or cellulose based films and meshes. Appropriatetreatments include, but are not limited to perforations, coatings,impregnation with materials, as well as vents and/or holes formed in thejuicer cartridge.

In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to provide an applianceassociated with a food matter containing cartridge with “smart”functionality. This may be used to provide benefits including, but notlimited to, safety features, track usage, and enhance operatorexperience. For example, an appliance, such as a juicer, might include areader, such as a camera or RFID reader, capable of reading informationfrom a juicer cartridge through the use of printed or digital indicatortechnologies such as radio frequency identification devices (RFID),barcodes, quick response codes, magnetic strips, magnetic inks, carbonblack inks, invisible inks, a color bar or other similar graphic, andother readable medium. The information provided by the juicer cartridgemight include information such as expiration of contents, cold chaininformation, ingredients, allergy information, nutrition information,ingredient information, consumption and calorie contents, authorizationinformation, counterfeiting information, and security information andother pertinent information. If desired, a juicer may also upload all,or some, information acquired from the juicer cartridge to a computer orserver. For example, a person may wish to track their nutrition intakefor medical, dietary, or personal reasons. Consequently, a person mightupload the types of juices as well as their nutritional and caloricintake to a cloud-based system that they might access from anywhere.Alternatively, they might upload it to another party, or to a serviceaccessible to another party, such as an insurance company, a doctor, apersonal trainer, or any other appropriate party. For example, theuploaded information might be used to automatically place an order forreplacement juicer cartridges based on a preset par of juicer cartridgesfor a person or device (refrigerator or vending machine) and theuploaded cartridge usage information. The uploaded information may alsobe used for sharing of beverage consumption, health information throughsocial media, and diet coaching to name a few.

In addition to the above, in some embodiments, a juicer is also capableof downloading information from a remotely located server, cloudservice, or computing device. For example, after reading identifyinginformation on a juicer cartridge (e.g. a bar code), the juicer candownload information related to that cartridge such as safetyinformation, ingredient information, recall data, or any other desiredinformation.

In some embodiments, a juicer may simply read information provided bythe juicer cartridge. In other embodiments, a juicer might activelymeasure juicer cartridge storage conditions and expiration usingappropriate methods. Possible storage conditions that might bedetermined by a juicer include, but are not limited to, temperature,humidity, pressure, oxygen content, carbon dioxide content and/orradiation exposure. For example, gases located within a cartridge may besampled by a juicer and analyzed to determine if a food safety conditionexists. Alternatively, more passive technologies such as temperaturesensitive indicator such as a temperature sensitive paint, ink, orenzymatic cold chain indicators might be used to determine if thecartridge has been stored above a threshold temperature. In someembodiments, the temperature sensitive indicator is tuned such that itindicates that the cartridge has been stored above a thresholdtemperature after 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, or any otherappropriate time period. However, embodiments in which a lower costtemperature sensitive indicator that changes immediately upon exposureto a threshold temperature is used are also contemplated. In the aboveembodiments, a juicer may include a sensor capable of detecting if atemperature sensitive indicator has been activated by sensing a color orgraphic change. Based on safety and expiration information obtained fromthe juicer cartridge, a juicer may either prevent or permit juiceextraction. The juicer may also include a user override that permitsjuice extraction to proceed as might be desired for a juicer cartridgethat was previously frozen and is being used past an expiration dateindicated on the juicer cartridge.

It should be understood that the above noted methods and modes ofoperation of a juicer are also generally applicable to any appropriateappliance. For example, these methods and modes of operation might beapplied to a beverage dispensing appliance, a food preparationappliance, and/or a food storage appliance. In one embodiment, theappliance is a juicer. In other embodiments, the appliance may be arefrigerator, vending machine, microwave, and other appropriateappliance. For example, an appliance may include an appropriate readercapable of reading an indicator on a cartridge containing one or moretypes of food matter such as fruit, vegetables, greens, meat, dairy,oils, grains, prepared dishes, or any other type of food matter. Asnoted previously, the indicator may either be a digital or visualindicator as the disclosure is not so limited. Depending on theparticular embodiment, the reader may correspond to at least one of acamera integrated with the appliance and a digital reader such as a RFIDreader integrated with the appliance. Alternatively, a separate devicesuch as a smart phone, or other appropriate device, may be used to scanthe indicator and either upload the scanned information to a remotelylocated server that then connects to the appliance, or the separatedevice may communicate directly with the appliance over a wiredconnection or a wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth connection.

After reading the indicator, the appliance then retrieves informationrelated to that cartridge using the indicator. Depending on theparticular application, the appliance then either controls an operationof the appliance based on the retrieved information and/or the appliancecaptures user behavior using the retrieved information. The informationretrieved by the appliance may be retrieved in any number of ways. Forexample, in one embodiment, the indicator directs the appliance toconnect to a remotely located server, or computing device, in order toretrieve the desired information. In such an embodiment, the appliancemay both upload and/or download information from the remotely locatedserver or computing device. Alternatively, in other embodiments, theappliance includes a database that is updated regularly (e.g. daily,weekly, monthly, or any other appropriate time frame) from a remotelylocated server or computing device. Consequently, when the indicator isread by the appliance, the desired information is then retrieved fromthe database. While in some embodiments the database is regularlyupdated, embodiments in which the database is not updated our alsocontemplated.

Depending on the particular application, the appliance may perform oneor several operations in response to the retrieved information. In oneembodiment, the retrieved information is used to control an operation ofthe appliance. In another embodiment, the retrieved information is usedto capture user behavior. Additionally, an appliance may do both of theabove. For example, if the retrieved information relates to food safetysuch as expiration dates, recalls, ingredients versus known userallergens, authorization information, counterfeiting information, andsecurity information the appliance may either lock out operation of theappliance or it may notify a user of the detected condition depending onthe particular type of appliance. Alternatively, the appliance mightdisplay nutritional information to a user or it may upload thatinformation to a remotely located server or social networking site,e-mail the information to a predetermined individual, or otherapplications as noted previously. In instances where the appliance istracking user behavior, the retrieved information may be used to trackthe type of cartridge a user is using as well as the consumption of thecartridges that an individual, or appliance, has used. This informationmay be used for several purposes. For example, depending on the types ofcartridges that a user has used, different types of cartridges that theuser may like can be recommended to the user for purchase. Additionally,by tracking the consumption of cartridges, automatic re-ordering andstocking of these cartridges can be facilitated when the tracked numberof cartridges falls below a preset par value defined by the user. Ofcourse other applications are also possible.

For the sake of clarity, the juicer cartridges and juicer systemsdescribed herein generically refer to the use of food matter from whichjuice may be extracted. However, it should be understood that the foodmatter used in both the juicer cartridges and juicer systems maycorrespond to any appropriate food matter. For example, food matter mayinclude such nonlimiting items as: fruit; vegetables; meat; fish; plantmatter; flavorings; dietary supplements such as vitamins, proteinpowders, ginseng; and/or any other ingestible product that might bedesirably included in a beverage.

Turning now to the figures, several specific nonlimiting embodiments aredescribed in more detail. For the sake of clarity, certain features aredescribed with regards to a particular embodiment. However, it should beunderstood that the various features and embodiments depicted in thefigures and described herein may be combined in any appropriate fashionas the disclosure is not so limited.

FIG. 1 depicts one exemplary embodiment of a juicer 100 configured toreceive a juicer cartridge 200 containing food matter 205. In exemplaryembodiments, juicer 100 can include a region 140 such as a recess,chamber, or other appropriate cartridge receiving compartment,constructed and arranged in the housing 110 to receive one or morejuicer cartridges. It should be understood that region 140 may be sizedand/oriented to receive any number of juicer cartridges 200 as thedisclosure is not so limited. However, for ease of illustration, theregion 140 is, at times, shown and/or described with a single cartridge.The juicer may also include an outlet 170 associated with an outlet 220of the juicer cartridge 200. In some embodiments, the region 140 maydefine a chamber that can include a lid 145 that can be locked or sealedwhen the juicer is in operation. For example, lid 145 may beautomatically locked and/or unlocked in response to a signal from theelectronics of juicer 100. However, embodiments in which the lid may bemanually locked and/or unlocked are also contemplated.

Referring again to the figures, a juicer 100 may include an exteriorhousing 110 containing electronics and mechanical components. The juicer100 may also include one or more platens for applying pressure to ajuicer cartridge. For example, as depicted in the figures, a pair ofopposing platens 120 may be used to apply a force to one or more juicercartridges 200 filled with food matter 205. Depending on the embodiment,each of the platens 120 may be attached to an arm 130. Arms 130 may befurther connected to a system capable of imparting force to the opposingarms 130 and platens 120 thereby generating the desired compressiveforce between platens 120. This force may be provided using anyappropriate mechanism including, but not limited to, a pneumatic system,a hydraulic system, an electromechanical system such as a servo motor ora stepper motor, or any other appropriate system capable of delivering adesired pressure and/or force to a juicer cartridge. Additionally, inone embodiment, the juicer 100 may be an electrically powered tabletopappliance. However, it should be understood that the juicer may bepowered using any appropriate power source including a power line,battery, generator, a pneumatic pressure source, a hydraulic powersource, or any other appropriate power source as the disclosure is notso limited.

The compressive force applied to a juicer cartridge 200 may betransmitted to the food matter 205 contained therein to extract liquid(e.g. juice) from the food matter 205. The extracted juice 201 may thenflow from within the juicer cartridge 200 through the juicer cartridgeoutlet 220 and the juicer outlet 170 to an exterior of the juicer. Insome embodiments, a juicer 100 may have a dispensary area 160 wherejuice may be dispensed from. For example, as depicted in the figures, adispensing area 160 may be embodied by a region defined in the face ofhousing 110, and may further include a shelf and/or drip tray forreceiving and supporting a server container 165. In some embodiments,and as depicted in the figures, the outlet 170 of the juicer may beformed within the dispensing area 160 of the housing 110. Therefore, theextracted juice 201 flowing out of the outlet 170 may be dispensed intoa serving container 165 with minimal cleanup. Depending on theparticular embodiment, juice 201 being dispensed through the juiceroutlet 170 may, or may not, come into direct contact with the outlet 170of the juicer. For example, in some embodiments the juicer cartridgeoutlet 220 may extend beyond the corresponding region, pressingelements, and other portions of the juicer to facilitate the extractedjuice not coming into contact with any portion of the juicer during use.

It should be understood that the one or more platens 120 may beconstructed and arranged in any number of ways. For example, in oneembodiment, the one or more platens 120 are sized to correspond to anapproximate size of a juicer cartridge 200 when compressed by theplatens during juice extraction. Additionally, the one or more platens120 may be formed from any appropriate material including, but notlimited to, stainless steel, ceramic, plastic or any other material. Thesurfaces of the platens may also be coated with non-stick materialsand/or materials with antimicrobial properties such as silver plating,silver nanoparticle, and silver coated surfaces, though other surfacecoatings might also be used. The face of each platen 120 may alsooptionally be formed with grooves 122 on opposing faces of the platensand/or other shapes that can be used to facilitate the generation ofpressure on cartridge 200 and/or improve handling of cartridge 200. Forexample, grooves 122 on the two platens may be nested together (i.e. thepeaks and valleys of each platen may be positioned within each other).However, embodiments in which the platens do not nest together are alsocontemplated. Additionally, the grooves may provide an increasedpressing surface area. More specifically a surface area along thegrooves is greater than a projected area of the pressing surfaces. Thegrooves may either be sharp peaks, rounded peaks sinusoidal, square, orhave any other appropriate shape. Alternatively, in another embodiment,at least one of the platens may have a concave curvature. The otherplaten may either be flat, have a concave curvature, a convex curvature,and/or a complementary shape in such an embodiment. Without wishing tobe bound by theory, such an arrangement may provide an increasedcompression to the outer perimeter of the food matter located betweenthe platens which further enhances juice extraction by helping tocontain the food matter within the center of the platen and guide juiceextraction.

Depending on the embodiment, a juicer may apply between about 6,700 N to35,600 N (1500 pounds of force to about 8000 pounds) of force to ajuicer cartridge during the approximately final 3 mm to 13 mm (0.1inches to 0.5 inches) of movement of the pressing platens, or otherappropriate pressing elements used to extract juice from the juicercartridge. In some embodiments, the applied force during this finalmovement of the pressing platens, or pressing elements, is about 17,800N to about 26,700 N (4000 pounds to about 6000 pounds). In addition toapplying the above noted forces during the final amount of travel, theplatens, or other appropriate pressing element, may have a total travelof about 38 mm (1.5 inches) and may have a gap between about 4 mm toabout 9 mm (0.15 inches to about 0.35 inches) between the platens, orother pressing elements, after being displaced to extract juice from thefruit matter located within the juicer cartridge. It should beunderstood that while particular dimensions and forces are noted abovewith regards to a specific embodiment of a juicer, any appropriatecombination of forces, distances of force application, total platentravel, and gaps might be used as the disclosure is not so limited. Theforce ranges and displacements noted above are directed to an appliancesized for consumer applications. Appropriate forces and displacementsfor use in larger appliances for use in office, corporate, restaurant,and or food service settings are described in more detail below.

In addition to the possible ranges of applied force, a juicer may applyat least 60 psi to a surface of a juicer cartridge during juiceextraction. Further, in some embodiments, a juicer may apply betweenabout 80 psi to about 100 psi to a surface of a juicer cartridge duringthe final distances of platen displacement as noted above. However, itshould be understood that other pressures might be applied by a juiceras the disclosure is not so limited.

While the one or more platens 120 have been depicted as being actuatedin a horizontal direction to apply a compressive force to a juicercartridge 200, the disclosure is not so limited. Instead, it should beunderstood that a compressive force may be applied to the juicercartridge 200 in any appropriate direction. For example, the compressiveforce might be applied in a vertical direction. Additionally, pressuremay be applied to the juicer cartridge in any appropriate mannerincluding a single platen, rolling mechanisms, application of pressureto only a portion of the juicer cartridge, and other appropriate methodsof applying pressure to a juicer cartridge to extract liquid from thefood matter contained therein. For example, in one embodiment, a singleplaten might be used to compress a juicer cartridge 200 against anopposing surface. This opposing surface may be fitted with a hole forreceiving the outlet 220 of cartridge 200, or the outlet might bereceived in another adjacent surface similar to the embodiment depictedin FIGS. 1 and 2. In another embodiment, multiple juicer cartridges, orpouches, might be located between the platens such that pressure isapplied to all of the cartridges at once during juice extraction. In yetanother embodiment, a juicer may include more than two platens where acorresponding plurality of juicer cartridges may be located between themore than two platens. For example, a first juicer cartridge may belocated between a first and second platen and a second juicer cartridgemight be located between a third and fourth platen. Alternatively, thesecond juicer cartridge might be located between the second platen and athird platen.

In some embodiments, one or more juicer cartridges are horizontally orvertically stacked within a juicer. The juicer cartridges may alsoinclude food matter that is not equally distributed across the surfaceof the juicer cartridge. In either case, a juicer may apply pressure tounequally distributed food matter across a pressing surface such as aplaten as noted above. To help mitigate this effect, in someembodiments, one or more juicer cartridges may include features to helporient the one or more juicer cartridges within the juicer. For example,the juicer cartridges and the corresponding region may have matingshapes and/or features to orient the juicer cartridges. For example, acentering flange located on an outermost perimeter of a juicer cartridgemay be constructed and arranged to interface with a pressing platen orcavity that the juicer cartridge is disposed in. Additionally, in someembodiments, a juicer cartridge includes one or more features used toalign two or more juicer cartridges that are stacked on each other. Forexample, the two or more juicer cartridges may be constructed andarranged such that they are mechanically interlocked when stackedtogether by any appropriate feature or combination of features. However,embodiments in which the juicer cartridges do not include features toalign them when stacked, are also contemplated. The above noted featureshelp to align the juicer cartridges within a juicer as well as helpingto evenly position food matter relative to a pressing surface of thejuicer.

When desired, the platen, or other appropriate surface, may bemaintained at a desired temperature through the use of an appropriatelyconfigured and arranged temperature regulation element 196. Inembodiments where cooling of the juicer assembly, and juicer cartridgecontained therein, is desired, the temperature regulation element 196may correspond to a refrigeration element which might be embodied by anynumber of appropriate devices including, but not limited to,thermoelectric materials such as peltier chips, a refrigerationassembly, and other conventional refrigeration techniques However, inembodiments in which a juicer cartridge 200 is stored at a temperaturethat is not optimal for processing by juicer 100 (e.g., frozen or in acold refrigerator), the temperature regulation element 196 maycorrespond to a warming assembly capable of gently warming the juicercartridge until a desired temperature is reached. Depending on theparticular embodiment, the warming assembly might include heatingelements and thermal sensors to raise a temperature of a juicercartridge to a desired temperature while ensuring it does not exceed apreselected threshold temperature which could cause a loss of valuablecompounds. In yet another embodiment, the temperature regulation element196 may correspond to a passive cooling system. In such an embodiment,the temperature regulation element might utilize cooling techniques suchas channeling air flow across a surface to draw away heat and introducecooler air. In view of the above, it should be understood that thetemperature regulation element, or elements, may correspond to anyappropriate device or configuration capable of heating or cooling thejuicer cartridge. For example, other possible embodiments for atemperature regulation element, include, but are not limited to,removable platens constructed and arranged to be placed in a freezerand/or heated on a stove, chemical activated heat and cold reactions,liquid cooled and/or heated platens using channels within the platens,induction heating, radio frequency friction heating, and ultrasonicfrequency friction heating.

While a single temperature regulation element 196 integrated into asingle platen 120 has been depicted in the figures, it should beunderstood that the disclosure is not so limited. Instead, multipletemperature relation elements might be used corresponding to eitherrefrigeration elements, heater elements, passive cooling systems, and/ora combination of the above. Additionally, these temperature regulationelements might be incorporated into any appropriate surface contacting ajuicer cartridge 200 during juice extraction. For example, a temperatureregulation 196 element might be incorporated onto a surface, or aninterior, of a platen 120. Alternatively, a temperature regulationelement might be disposed on, or incorporated into, another surface incontact with a juicer cartridge. In some embodiments, a temperatureregulation element might also be provided as a discrete componentseparate from the juicer cartridge region.

A juicer 100 may also be fitted with various electronic componentsand/or a control panel 180 for interacting with the operator of thedevice. Juicer 100 may include a controller 190 for controlling thecontrol panel 180 and directing operation of the various components ofthe device (e.g., platens 120, arms 130, etc.) in response to operatorinput through the control panel 180. For example, an operator may inserta cartridge 200 into juicer 100 and activate the machine using thecontrol panel 180. However, other means of operating the juicerincluding, for example, an on/off switch, are also possible. The abovenoted controller 190 may take the form of a system-on-a-chip (SoC)integrated circuit, a microcontroller, or any other configuration thatmay be known in the art. Depending on the embodiment, control panel 180may include means for inputting operator selections and/or preferencesas well as for communicating information to the operator. In exemplaryembodiments, control panel 180 may take the form of an LCD touchscreenthat provides the user with options and information including beveragetypes, user profiles, nutrition information, and the like. Juicer 100can also be configured to interact with an operator's smart phone,tablet, or laptop by Bluetooth, WiFi, or other communications medium.

In order to control juice extraction and/or provide desired information,a juicer 100 may include one or more sensors 195 to monitor variouscontrol parameters. For example, a juicer might include temperaturesensors, force sensors, pressure sensors, timers, displacement sensors,position sensors (e.g. a sensor for monitoring if the lid 145 is open orclosed), or any other appropriate sensor. These sensors may be inelectrical communication with the controller which may monitor thesensors. The controller may convey certain information about the deviceto the operator through the control panel 180. For instance, in oneembodiment, a control panel 180 may display a temperature of a surfaceof one or more platens 120. Alternatively, and/or in addition to theabove, a control panel 180 might display any diagnostic information orstatistics relevant to the operation of the device such as, for example,a warning that servicing is due.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to connect a juicer 100 to astandalone computer, a remotely server or computing device, and/or anetwork such as the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network,and the like. For example, a juicer 100 may connect to a remotelylocated server, computing device, or network 198 using any appropriateconnection 197 which is in electrical communication with the controller190. Appropriate connections may include, but are not limited to, WiFi,Bluetooth, Ethernet, RJ-45 modular connections, connections providedthrough house line voltage connections, and/or any other appropriatetype of connection as the disclosure is not so limited. Through thisexternal connection, an operator may be permitted to share informationabout juicing activity through social media and social networking sitessuch as Twitter, Facebook, MyFitnessPal, and the like. In such anembodiment, an operator may be provided with an option to post dataconcerning the contents of a juicer cartridge 200 to a desired socialmedia and/or social networking site. The post may be pre-generated bythe controller 190. Alternatively, a post may be manually generated orinclude options to input additional comments and information from theoperator.

Depending on the embodiment, a juicer 100 may be preprogrammed to onlyreceive approved cartridges. In such an embodiment, a controller 190 ofthe juicer 100 may examine a juicer cartridge inserted into cartridgecompartment 140 for a particular indicator of authenticity such as aserial code, bar code, hologram, or any other means for indicating thatthe juicer cartridge is approved for use with the juicer.

In certain embodiments, various user profiles may be stored within acontroller 190. In order to control the one or more profiles, prior tooperating a juicer a user may log in using an identifier or PIN.Activity performed while a particular user is logged in may then berecorded to that user's profile. Additionally, reports may be generatedand either stored and/or output for the user. A user profile may alsocontain information about the user, including specific dietaryrequirements, allergens, preferences, and settings.

In some instances, it may be desirable to display information related toa temperature of a juicer cartridge and/or to control operation of thejuicer based on temperature information. Therefore, in one embodiment,one or more sensors 195, such as thermal sensors, may be used to monitora temperature of the one or more juicer surfaces contracting a juicercartridge 200. For example, a sensor 195 may be associated with a platen120 or another surface compressing, or in contact with, a juicercartridge 200. A temperature sensor 195 may either be disposed on top ofa surface such that it is in direct contact with a juicer cartridge, orit may be embedded within a surface. It should be understood that otherlocations are also possible. The one or more sensors 195 may transmittemperature information to a controller 190. In turn, the controller 190may display information received from the one or more thermal sensors ona control panel 180. Additionally, the controller may control one ormore components of juicer 100 in response to the information from theone or more thermal sensors. For example, the controller may directplatens 120 to operate at a slower rate to reduce friction and heat.Alternatively, a temperature of a surface contacting a juicer cartridge(e.g., platens 120) may be maintained within a specific temperaturerange such that degradation of organic compounds in food matter may bereduced by minimizing exposure to too high or too low a temperature,which can result in a less healthful juice product. In one embodiment, ajuicer cartridge may be maintained between 32° F. and 43° F. In someembodiments, the juicer cartridge may be maintained at or near 32.5° F.However, it should be understood that other temperatures are alsocontemplated.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3C, an exemplary embodiment of a juicercartridge 200 is described. As depicted in the figure, a juicercartridge 200 may include an outer shell 210. Cartridge 200 may alsoinclude an outlet 220 positioned at a distal end of juicer cartridge200. The outlet 220 may provide fluid communication between an interiorof the juicer cartridge 200 and an outside environment exterior to thecartridge. The outer shell 210 may be made from any appropriate suitablematerial capable of providing desired design criteria such as sufficientstructural integrity, protection from the outside environment, andtamper resistance. Further, in some embodiments, the outer shell may bemade from a biodegradable material including, but not limited to,biodegradable plant-based polymers such as cellulose, cellophane, orpolylactic acid.

In some embodiments, outlet 220 may include a seal 225. The seal 225 maybe in a closed configuration at the time of manufacturing and delivery.Subsequently, the seal may be opened by an operator or by acorresponding juicer during operation. For example, in one embodiment, aseal 225 may be embodied by a foil seal, a removable plug, a perforatedsection of outer shell 210, or any other suitable means of providing anoperator removable seal. In such an embodiment, the seal may be manuallyremoved by a user prior to juice extraction. This seal removal mayeither be performed prior to placing a juicer cartridge in a juicer, orafter placing the juicer cartridge in the juicer as the currentdisclosure is not so limited. Alternatively, in some embodiments, theseal 225 may be opened by an appropriate opening mechanism such as: aneedle adapted to pierce the seal; a cutting element adapted to cutthrough the seal or an associated portion of the outlet; or any otherappropriate mechanism capable of either opening or removing the seal topermit juice to flow through the outlet 220. In yet another embodiment,an outlet 220 may include a pressure burstable seal such that the sealautomatically opens for applied pressures greater than a preselectedthreshold pressure. Such a seal may be provided in any appropriatemanner including, for example, a membrane designed to burst above thethreshold pressure, a weakened seal in a location corresponding to theoutlet, a thinned seal in a location corresponding to the outlet, andother appropriate designs. In some embodiments, the seal mayalternatively burst in response to deformation of the juicer cartridgeinstead of in response to pressure.

In one embodiment, an outer shell 210 of a juicer cartridge 200 mayinclude one or more compartments 217, each for holding food matter 205.The one or more compartments 217 may also be in fluid communication withan outlet 220 of the juicer cartridge. As depicted in FIG. 3A, thejuicer cartridge 200 may be subdivided into a plurality of compartments217 for holding the food matter 205. In such an embodiment, thecompartments 217 may be separated by a one or more filters 219 tomaintain separation of the food matter 205 located within the adjacentcompartments until processing by a juicer 100. The one or more filters219, may also permit fluid communication between the separatecompartments 217 during juice extraction from the food matter 205located therein.

In some embodiments, unprocessed food matter may be cleaned and theresulting food matter 205 may be pre-loaded into the compartments 217and/organized by type. By way of example, watermelon may be housed inone compartment, while mint is housed in a second compartment, andcarrot housed in a third compartment. Depending on the type of juicebeing made, different types of food matter 205 may be commingled withineach compartment. For example, watermelon and blueberry might be housedin one compartment, while ground ginger and cayenne pepper might behoused in a second compartment. In addition to the above, followingloading of food matter 205, a juicer cartridge 200 may be vacuum packedprior to sealing or closing by removing air using an appropriate vacuumsystem. Additionally, a juicer cartridge 200 may injected with anappropriate inert gas following loading and/or vacuum packing. Suitableinert gasses include nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or argon, or any othergas that reduces oxidation, moisture loss, nutrient loss, or productdegradation as compared to normal air.

Compartments 217 may be sized according to the food matter placedtherein. Therefore, it should be understood that the compartments mayhave any appropriate size. However, in one embodiment related toconsumer appliances, the compartments 217 may range from about 0.25inches to 2 inches (6 mm to 50 mm) in height depending on the contentsof each compartment. However embodiments related to appliances sized foroffice, corporate, restaurant, and/or food-service applications may havecompartments with larger dimensions including, for example, compartmentswith heights between 2 inches and 5 inches (50 mm to 127 mm), thoughlesser or greater heights may also be used. Additionally, a compartmentmay either correspond to an entire juicer cartridge or any appropriatefraction thereof. While a sequential arrangement of the compartments 217has been depicted in the figures, it should be understood that thecompartments 217 and the filters 219 may be arranged in any appropriatemanner.

Appropriate filters for use with a juicer cartridge include, but are notlimited to, a filtration membrane, a nonwoven filtration material, wovenmesh, fabric filters, plates with appropriately sized holes or openings,combinations of the above, and other appropriate types of filters.Additionally, these filters may be made from any appropriate materialincluding, for example, metals such as aluminum, polylactic acid,polypropylene fibers, and blended polyester-polyethylene. In oneexemplary embodiment, a filter 219 may be a food-grade porous membranecomprising a plurality of pores of a desired size. Other possibleembodiments for the one or more filters include aluminum or plasticmeshes, cheesecloth, and paper filters. In view of the above, it shouldbe understood that the one or more filters may correspond to any porousmaterial including pores of a suitable size capable of filtering thejuice extracted from a juicer cartridge.

The one or more filters may have an appropriate filtration size selectedaccording to the food matter held in one or more compartments such thatliquid can pass through the filters 219 while trapping pulp, seeds,pith, peel, and any other undesirable matter. By way of example, gingermay typically generate large, fibrous pulp matter that can be trapped bylarger pores while still permitting the juice extracted from the gingerto pass through the membrane. In contrast, strawberries may process to apulp matter having small fibers and seeds, which requires a mesh filterwith smaller pores to trap the seeds. While in some embodiments, afiltration size may be selected to remove substantially all of the solidmaterial such as pulp from a juice, in some embodiments, a filtrationsize of a filter might be selected to permit a certain portion of thesolid materials to pass through. In instances where a juicer cartridgeincludes multiple types of food matter in separate compartmentsrequiring different levels of filtration, a juicer cartridge 200 mayinclude one or more filters 219 a and 219 b with different filtrationsizes as depicted in FIGS. 3A-3C.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to process food mattercontained within a juicer cartridge in a manner to help provide uniformjuice extraction from all the food matter contained therein. This mayhelp to avoid either over or under extraction of some portions of foodmatter contained within the juicer cartridge. Therefore, in someembodiments, the individual pieces of food matter 205 may be presizedcorresponding to hardness, moisture content, and ability to exude juiceduring extraction. By way of example, in exemplary embodiments,watermelon, a relatively soft fruit high in water content might bedivided into relatively larger pieces than pear which is a comparablyharder fruit with a lower moisture content. Without wishing to be boundby theory, controlling the size of various types of food matter based onthe above noted physical properties may help to ensure full juiceextraction from the food matter 205 while substantially avoiding overextraction, under extraction, and excess energy utilization by a juicer.

In some instances, it may be desirable to provide information related toa juicer cartridge to a corresponding juicer. Therefore, in someembodiments, a juicer cartridge 200 can be marked with an indicator 240that contains data related to the contents of the juicer cartridgeand/or conditions that the juicer cartridge has been exposed to, seeFIG. 3A. Possible type of information that might be encoded in, orindicated by, the indicator include expiration dates, allergeninformation, ingredients, nutrition, calorie contents, authorizationinformation, counterfeiting information, and security information. andother appropriate information.

In one embodiment, an indicator 240 may be a machine-readable indicatorsuch as a bar code or QR code imprinted on an exterior of a juicercartridge 200. Alternatively, other appropriate indicators 240 such as aradio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag, magnetic tags, serialnumbers or any other type of data carrier that can convey informationabout the contents of a cartridge 200 to a juicer 100 might be used. Inanother embodiment, indicator 240 may include an identifier, such as anIP address, URL, or serial number that may be used by a juicer 100 toremotely obtain additional information about the contents of thecartridge. For example, a juicer might communicate with a remote serveror database to either obtain, or report, information related to thejuicer. In such an embodiment, a juicer 100 can be provided with “smart”functionality that can enable it to send and receive data over thenetwork to enhance the quality of the juicer product and the operator'sexperience. For example, in exemplary embodiments, indicator 240 can beencoded with an expiration date. The controller of a juicer may read theexpiration date indicator 240 and determine whether or not it is safe toprocess the ingredients of cartridge 200. Alternatively, indicator 240may be encoded with allergen information. A controller of acorresponding juicer may then read the allergen information and compareit with pre-set information concerning the allergic reactions of thecurrent operator, and determine whether or not it is safe to process theingredients of the juicer cartridge 200.

In another exemplary embodiment, an indicator 240 may be an indicatorused to provide information directly to a user. For example, a juicercartridge may include a tamper indicator that activates when theinterior of a juicer cartridge 200 has been breached. For example, asticker or seal on a juicer cartridge 200 may change color or showvisible signs of opening. Additionally, in another instance, a juicercartridge 200 may include an indicator 240 such as a thermal indicatorto indicate whether the contents of the juicer cartridge 200 have goneabove or below a predetermined temperature threshold. By way of example,if the controller of the juicer cartridge 200 determines that thecontents will suffer nutrient loss if they exceed 50 degrees Fahrenheit,a thermal indicator may activate once that threshold has been exceeded.Conversely, if the contents should be maintained above freezing, or anyother appropriate temperature, a thermal indicator may activate upon thecontents reaching 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Appropriate thermal indicatorsinclude but are not limited to, irreversible temperature-indicatinglabels and inks or any other appropriate temperature indicatingmechanisms

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, one possible embodiment of individualcompartments including a filter are described in more detail. Asdepicted in the figure, the compartment and filter may take the form ofa package 225 including one or more individual pouches 230. The pouches230 may be sealed along their edges and placed inside a separate outershell to form a juicer cartridge as described in more detail below.Depending on the particular embodiment, either the entire pouch surfacemay be liquid permeable, or only a portion of the pouch surface may beliquid permeable. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more pouches230 may be connected along their edges to form a plurality of connectedpouches. The pouches may then be used in this connected form, or cutapart and used as individual components. Providing connected pouches mayimprove manufacturing and convenience for a customer. However,individual pouches may also be used to enable an operator to select anydesired combination of individual pouches to place in a correspondingjuicer cartridge to produce a desired juice. Thus, in some embodiments,these types of pouches may be used with a corresponding disposable, orreusable, juicer cartridge.

FIG. 5 depicts one possible embodiment of a reusable juicer cartridge500. As depicted in the figure, outer shell 510 may be a reusablecontainer including a substantially rigid housing formed of a firmplastic such as polyvinyl chloride. The reusable juicer cartridge 500may also include an outlet in fluid communication with an interior ofthe juicer cartridge which may correspond to a slot 540 as depicted inthe figure. In some embodiments, the outlet may also include a filter.Alternatively, the outlet 540 may correspond to a structure, such as anarrangement of multiple through holes, to act as both a filter andoutlet. Food matter may either be added directly to the reusable juicercartridge 500, or one or more pouches 230 containing preprocessed foodmatter may be placed in an opening in a side of the juicer cartridge500. The juicer cartridge 500 may be sized and shaped to fit within acorresponding region of a juicer. After loading food matter into thejuicer cartridge and placing it into a corresponding pressing region ofa juicer, a platen, or other device, may be driven downward into thejuicer cartridge to compress the food matter contained therein and expeljuice through outlet 540. After juice extraction, the reusable juicercartridge may then be opened and the food matter contained therein canbe removed in preparation for preparing more juice. In instances wherethe reusable juicer cartridge has an opening that remains unsealedduring use, the platen, or other device applying pressure to the foodmatter, may optionally form a seal against an interior surface of thejuicer cartridge as it is depressed. Additionally, while a particularjuicer cartridge has been depicted, juicer cartridges capable of beingcompressed in other directions are also possible.

In another embodiment, a reusable juicer cartridge may be compressibleinstead of rigid, see FIGS. 6A-6B. In such an embodiment, an outer shell510 of a juicer cartridge 500 may be constructed and arranged such thatit is flexible and can be compressed inside of a corresponding juicer.Similar to the above, the juicer cartridge 500 may include an outlet 540in fluid communication with an interior of the juicer cartridge. Theoutlet 540 may also either be associated with a filter, or it may beconstructed to act as a filter. The juicer cartridge 500 may beconfigured to receive one or more pouches containing preprocessed foodmatter or food matter may simply be added to the juicer cartridge by auser. When the compressible juicer cartridge is positioned into acorresponding juicer 100, the outer shell 510 may be compressed in orderto apply pressure to the food matter therein and extract the juice, seeFIGS. 6A-6B. The reusable juicer cartridge 500 may then be opened andthe food matter contained therein removed in preparation for preparingmore juice. Alternatively, the juicer cartridge may be disposable as thecurrent disclosure is not so limited.

In the above embodiments describing a reusable juicer cartridge, theouter shell 510 and/or pod 500 may be dishwasher safe to help facilitateeasy cleaning. Additionally, the materials used to form the reasonablejuicer cartridge may be BPA-free.

FIGS. 7A-7C depict various embodiments of juicer cartridges includingone or more compartments containing food matter.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are directed to an embodiment of a juicer cartridge 300including one or more liquid permeable compartments 310 that are adaptedand arranged to at least partially surround food matter containedtherein. The liquid permeable compartments 310 may be positioned withina liquid impermeable compartment 305 such that the liquid impermeablecompartment at least partially surrounds the one or more liquidpermeable compartments. For example, one or more pouches containing foodmatter similar to those described above might be contained within anexterior pouch. In addition, the juicer cartridge may include an outlet315 in fluid communication with an interior of the liquid impermeablecompartment 305. As noted above, the juicer cartridge 300 may be shapedand sized to fit within a corresponding region of a juicer. Whencompressed within a juicer, the juicer cartridge may compress the foodcontained therein to extract juice from the food matter. The extractedjuice may then flow from within the one or more liquid permeablecompartments to the liquid impermeable compartment. Subsequently, thejuice may flow from within the liquid impermeable compartment to outsideof the juicer cartridge through the outlet 315. Depending on theparticular embodiment, the outlet may include a seal 320 and/or filter325 as described above.

Depending on the embodiment, the liquid permeable compartments mayeither be constructed from a material that is liquid permeable or theymay include appropriate features through which a liquid may flow. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, the individual liquid permeablecompartments 310 may correspond to pouches made from a liquid permeablematerial. Appropriate liquid permeable materials may include afiltration membrane, a nonwoven filtration material, a woven mesh, afabric filter, a plastic mesh, cheesecloth, paper filter materials, orany other appropriate permeable material capable of being used in ajuicing process. In such an embodiment, the liquid permeablecompartments 310 may also function as filters for the food mattercontained therein during juice extraction. Alternatively, as depicted inFIG. 7B, each of the liquid permeable compartments may include an outletcorresponding to a filter 330 and/or a seal 335 that may be burst abovea preselected pressure threshold during juice extraction. In such anembodiment, the remaining portion of the liquid permeable compartmentmay be made from a liquid impermeable material. Therefore, during juiceextraction, the liquid extracted from the food matter may flow out ofthe liquid impermeable compartments 310 through the outlet correspondingto filter 330 and seal 335 and into the liquid impermeable compartment305. The liquid may subsequently flow out through the outlet 315 similarto the above.

FIG. 7C depicts another embodiment of a juicer cartridge 300 including aplurality of compartments 310 adapted to contain food matter. Similar tothe above the juicer cartridge may include an outlet 315 that mayinclude a seal 320 and/or a filter 325. In addition, the juicercartridge may include a combining chamber 340 located between the outlet315 and the plurality of compartments 310. During juice extraction thecombining chamber 340 may be in direct fluid communication with theoutlet 315 and the plurality of compartments 310. Alternatively, in someembodiments, during juice extraction, the plurality of compartments 310may be in fluid communication with the outlet 315 through the combiningchamber 340 and one or more secondary channels 345 located between thecompartments and the combining chamber. During juice extraction, liquidmay flow from the individual compartments 310, through the secondarychannels 345, and into the combining chamber 340. Thus, the juiceextracted from the individual compartments may be combined into a singlestream within the combining chamber 340 prior to being output though theoutlet 315.

Depending on the embodiment, and as depicted in the figure, eachcompartment 310 may include a seal 335 and/or a filter such as 330 and350. While these filters and seals are depicted as being located at anoutlet from each compartment, they might be located at any point betweenthe individual compartments 310 and the outlet 315. For example, afilter and/or seal might be located within a secondary channel 345 orthe combining chamber 340 as the disclosure is not limited in thisfashion. Additionally, as illustrated in the figure by filters 330 and350, the filters associated with separate compartments 310 may havedifferent filtration sizes to provide appropriate filtration fordifferent types of food matter. These seals may be constructed to burstabove a predetermined pressure threshold, rupture due to deformationduring juice extraction, or may otherwise be constructed to open duringjuice extraction. Consequently, the plurality of compartments 310 maynot be in fluid communication with the outlet 315 prior to juiceextraction, and may be in fluid communication with the outlet 315 oncejuice extraction has begun. While the outlet and individual compartmentshave both been depicted as including separate filters and seals,embodiments in which only the individual compartments include seals andfilters, only the secondary channels and/or combining chamber includefilters and seals, and/or only the outlet includes a filter and seal arealso contemplated.

FIG. 7C also depicts an embodiment in which two or more compartments 310a and 310 b are associated with each other. As depicted in the figure, aseal 355 may be located between the two compartments. The seal 355 maybe designed to burst during juice extraction due to either exceeding apressure limit or from deformation. Therefore, the compartments 310 aand 310 b are not in fluid communication with one another prior to juiceextraction. During juice extraction, the seal 355 may burst placing thetwo compartments into fluid communication with one another. This maypermit fluid and/or food matter to flow from one compartment to another.For example, a liquid, or liquid containing food matter might be locatedin compartment 310 b and a dry ingredient, or other appropriate type offood matter, might be located in compartment 310 a. During juiceextraction the seal 355 may be ruptured permitting liquid to flow fromcompartment 310 b into compartment 310 a. The liquid and dry ingredientmay then mix to either dissolve the dry ingredient or form a suspension.As juice extraction continues, a seal associated with the compartment310 a may also rupture and the mixture may flow through the associatedfilter, secondary channel, and/or combining chamber to the outlet 315.

In some embodiments, it is desirable for a juicer cartridge to beconstructed and arranged such that juice, or other liquid, extractedfrom the cartridge does not contact the juicer. This may beneficiallyeliminate the need to clean the juicer after each operation. In such anembodiment, the juicer cartridge includes a compartment including aself-contained volume of liquid. Depending on the embodiment, the volumeof liquid may be entrapped within food matter located in the compartmentsuch that the liquid is extracted from the food matter when compressedin a pressing chamber of an associated juicer. The juicer cartridge alsoincludes an outlet in fluid communication with the compartment. Theoutlet is constructed and arranged such that it extends out from thejuicer so that at least a portion of the outlet is not compressed by thejuicer during a juice extraction operation. For example, and asdescribed in more detail below, the outlet may be constructed andarranged such that it extends out of a pressing chamber of theassociated juicer to direct liquid to a desired container withoutcontacting the juicer.

In some embodiments, it may also be desirable for a juicer cartridge toproduce enough juice, or other liquid, for either a shot, full-sizedbeverage, or multiple full sized beverages. For example, in someembodiments, the volume of juice produced is between about 1 ounce and20 ounces (0.03 liters and 0.6 liters), 1 ounce and 16 ounces (0.03liters and 0.5 liters), 6 ounces to 12 ounces (0.2 liters and 0.35liters), 20 ounces to 80 ounces (0.6 liters and 2.4 liters), 80 ouncesto 140 ounces (2.4 liters and 4.0 liters), or any other appropriatevolume as the disclosure is not so limited. Depending on theapplication, a juicer cartridge includes at least a first compartmentcontaining between about 1 ounce and 20 ounces (0.03 kg to 0.6 kg), 20ounces to 80 ounces (0.6 kg to 2.3 kg), 80 ounces to 160 ounces (2.3 kgto 4.5 kg), or any other appropriate mass of food matter. When thecompartment, and food matter contained therein is compressed by anassociated juicer, the food matter produces a ratio of juice volume inliters (L) to food matter mass in kilograms (kg) that is between about0.4 L/kg to 0.85 L/kg, 0.5 L/kg to 0.75 L/kg, or any other appropriateratio. Similar ratios for fluid ounces of juice produced to mass ouncesof food matter are obtained. As described in more detail below, thisjuice yield may be in response to a final compression force applied tothe juicer cartridge and food matter contained therein that is betweenabout 6700 N to 35,600 N (1500 pounds to 8000 pounds) for a consumerappliance, about 7750 N to 44,500 N (1750 pounds to 10,000 pounds) foran office or corporate appliance, and about 8900 N to 53,400 N (2000pounds to 12,000 pounds) for a restaurant or food service appliance.While a single compartment is described above, it should be understoodthat similar to the previously described embodiments, the juicercartridge may also include a second compartment where the firstcompartment is at least partially disposed within the second apartment.Additionally, in some embodiments, and as described in more detailbelow, the first and second compartments may be disposed within a thirdcompartment. In such an embodiment, the third compartment is preferablyliquid impermeable and at least one of the first compartment and thesecond compartment is liquid permeable.

One particular embodiment of a juicer cartridge 400 is depicted in FIGS.8A-8D. In the depicted embodiment, the juicer cartridge includes a shell402 and a sealing layer 404 attached to the shell. Depending on theembodiment, the sealing layer is a polymer film though in otherembodiments it may be a rigid sheet as the disclosure is not so limited.In either case, the shell 402 and the sealing layer 404 are attachedalong their perimeters to form a sealed compartment as depicted in thefigures. A pouch 410, corresponding to one or more compartmentscontaining food matter 412, is disposed within the outer compartmentformed by the shell 402 and the sealing layer 404. When the juicercartridge 400 is positioned within a corresponding pressing chamber of ajuicer, the juicer cartridge is compressed from a first height to asmaller second height such that the food matter contained within thepatch 410 is compressed to extract juice therefrom. The extracted juiceis then dispensed from the outlet 406 as described in more detail below.

In some embodiments, it is desirable to evenly distribute food matterbetween the pressing elements of an associated juicer when the juicercartridge 400 is positioned therein. In such an embodiment, thecompartment corresponding to the shell 402 and sealing layer 404, orother appropriate construction, has a cross-sectional area that issubstantially equal to an area of a pressing surface of the pressingelements when it is positioned within the pressing chamber of a juicer.Correspondingly, the pouch 410 corresponding to one or more compartmentscontaining the food matter 412 initially has a cross-sectional area thatis substantially less than an area of the corresponding pressingsurfaces of the pressing elements. For example, the cross-sectional areaof the pouch 410 may be less than about 90%, 80%, 75%, or any otherappropriate percentage of the pressing area of the correspondingpressing elements. During compression of the juicer cartridge 400 withina pressing chamber of the juicer, the one or more compartmentscorresponding to the pouch 410 are deformed such that a cross-sectionalarea of the pouch is substantially equal to the area of thecorresponding pressing surfaces. Depending on the particular embodiment,an initial first height of the juicer cartridge within the juicerpressing chamber is less than or equal to about 38 mm (1.5 inches), 95mm (3.75 inches), 127 mm (5 inches), or any other appropriate height andthe juicer cartridge is constructed and arranged to be compressed fromthat initial first height to a second height that is less than the firstbetween about 4 mm and 9 mm (0.15 inches and 0.35 inches), 6 mm and 15mm (0.25 inches and 0.6 inches), 8 mm and 25 mm (0.3 inches to 1 inch),or any other appropriate height.

In some instances, it is desirable to protect the food matter containedwithin a juicer cartridge from forces being applied to it prior to juiceextraction. This includes forces that might be present due to eitherstorage or shipping of the juicer cartridges where they might besubjected to shocks and/or loading from being stacked on top of eachother, handled, and/or possibly dropped. While rigid shells, such as theshell 402, might be constructed and arranged to provide sufficientstructural rigidity to protect the food matter, in some embodiments, thejuicer cartridge 400 also includes an open space 414 corresponding to agas volume located within a sealed compartment such as that provided bythe shell 402 and sealing layer 404. As depicted in FIG. 8C, the openspace 414 corresponds to the space located between a compartmentcontaining food matter 412, such as the pouch 410, and the larger sealedcompartment corresponding to the shell 402 and sealing layer 404. Theopen space 414 is sized such that it contains a sufficient volume of gasto space at least a portion of the second compartment from the firstcompartment. The depicted gas volume sealed within the compartmentformed by shell 402 and sealing layer 404 functions as an air cushionsimilar to air cushions used for shipping materials. However, in thedepicted embodiment, the material, e.g. the food matter, being protectedis disposed inside of the air cushion. Consequently, when a force isapplied to the shell 402 and/or sealing layer 404, the gas volumelocated therein will become pressurized to resist further compression ofthe juicer cartridge 400, thus, protecting the food matter 412 containedtherein. It should be understood that the pouch 410 and food matter 412may correspond to any appropriate volume percentage of the surroundingcompartment formed by the shell 402 and the sealing layer 404, or otherappropriate construction. For example, the pouch and food matter mayhave a volume that is less than about 75%, 50%, or any other appropriatepercentage of the surrounding compartment volume. Additionally, thepouch and food matter may have a volume that is greater than about 25%,50%, or any other appropriate percentage of the surrounding compartmentvolume. While any appropriate gas might be used to fill the depictedopen-space 414, the gas volume may comprise at least one of nitrogen,carbon dioxide, and/or argon.

As noted above, the juicer cartridge 400 also includes an outlet 406.Referring to FIG. 8D, in this embodiment, the outlet is formed by anupper layer 406 a and an adjacent lower layer 406 b corresponding to theshell 402 and sealing layer 404 respectively. In order to form a sealedcompartment, portions of the upper and lower layers 406 a and 406 b aresealed to one another along their perimeters using any appropriatesealing technique including, but not limited to, lamination techniques,adhesives, and ultrasonic welds. In an alternative embodiment, aseparate material is applied along the perimeters of the upper and lowerlayers 406 a and 406 b to seal the compartment. The outlet also includesa detachment line 408 located within the region of the outlet 406 wherethe upper and lower layers are not sealed to one another. The detachmentline may correspond to a scored, perforated, or any other appropriatelyweakened section of the outlet such that a detachable portion 406 c isformed at a distal portion of the outlet. Consequently, when it isdesired to use the juicer cartridge 400, the detachable portion 406 c iseither automatically or manually removed from the juicer cartridge andthe upper and lower layers form an open end 408 a of the outletextending out from the juicer cartridge 400. Once the detachable portionis removed, the juicer cartridge 400 may be compressed by an associatedjuicer to extract juice from the food matter contained therein. Theextracted juice then flows out through the now opened outlet 406. Whilean outlet 406 has been depicted as including a detachable portion 406 c,in some embodiments, the outlet does not include a detachable portionand instead is constructed and arranged to be pierced along a portion ofthe outlet where the upper layer and lower layer are not sealed to oneanother. In such an embodiment, juice extracted from the juicercartridge 400 flows through the outlet 406 and out of the piercedportion of the outlet.

In some embodiments, and as noted previously, it is desirable for theoutlet 406 to provide a no drip functionality. For example, in theembodiment depicted in FIGS. 8A-8D, the outlet 406 formed by theadjacent upper and lower layers 406 a and 406 b function as a valve in amanner that is similar to a duckbill valve. Namely, the valve formed bythe outlet opens, and thus permits the flow of a fluid there through,during active compression by an associated juicer during juiceextraction. Correspondingly, the valve formed by the outlet closes toprevent the flow of fluid once the compressive force of the juicer hasbeen removed. This opening and closing of the valve formed by the outletmay be further facilitated by the associated juicer retracting thepressing element applying the compressive force to the juicer cartridgeafter juice extraction has been completed. Without wishing to be boundby theory, the juicer cartridge 400 as well as the food matter 412contained, will expand slightly which will create some amount ofsuction. This function combined with the valve formed by the outlet 406function together to substantially prevent dripping from the outletafter juice extraction. It should be understood that the functionalityof the valve formed by the outlet may be tailored using such parametersas the rigidity of the various layers, the spacing of the layersrelative to one another, the sizing of the channel between the layers,and other appropriate design parameters. While a particular constructionof the outlet is described above, it should be understood that an outletcapable of functioning as a valve may be formed in any number of waysand that the current disclosure should not be limited to only thespecific construction depicted in the figures.

FIG. 9A-9C depict various embodiments of a pouch 410 that may either beused individually, or in combination with an outer compartment such asthat formed by the shell 402 and sealing layer 404 depicted in FIGS.8A-8C. In FIG. 9A, the pouch 410 corresponds to a single compartmentformed by a liquid permeable layer 414 such as a filter or mesh. Incontrast, the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 9B and 9C correspond topouches 410 that include a first compartment at least partially disposedwithin a second compartment. In FIG. 9B, a first compartment formed froma liquid permeable layer 414, such as a filter or mesh, is disposedwithin a second compartment formed from one or more liquid impermeablelayers 418. Liquid containing food matter is contained within the firstcompartment formed from the liquid permeable layer 414. Depending on theparticular embodiment, one or more of the liquid impermeable layersinclude one or more weakened areas 420 corresponding to scorings,perforations, thinned edges, or any other appropriate construction. Whencompressed by an associated user, the weakened areas 420 rupture orburst to permit juice extracted from the food matter contained withinthe pouch 410 to flow through the liquid permeable layer 414 and throughthe now ruptured weakened areas 420 of the liquid impermeable layers418. FIG. 9C depicts a related embodiment of a pouch 410 where a firstcompartment corresponding to one or more liquid impermeable layers 418including one or more weakened areas 420 is disposed within a secondcompartment corresponding to one or more liquid impermeable layers 414.

It should be understood that the embodiments of the pouch 410 may becombined with a third compartment that is either liquid permeable orliquid impermeable, where the pouch 410 is at least partially disposedwithin the compartment, see FIGS. 10A and 10B. in the depictedembodiments, a pouch 410 is disposed within a sealed compartment formedby the corresponding shell 402 and sealing layer 404. In someembodiments, a single pouch 410 is disposed within this thirdcompartment. However, embodiments in which multiple pouches 410 aredisposed within a single exterior compartment are also contemplated. Forexample, as depicted in FIG. 10C, a plurality of pouches 410 containingfood matter are disposed within an exterior compartment formed by theshell 402 and sealing layer 404. In view of the above, it should beunderstood that the pouches 410 may either correspond to pouches formedby single compartments or a plurality of compartments with anyappropriate arrangement of liquid permeable and/or liquid impermeablelayers as the disclosure is not so limited.

While the individual pouches 410 depicted in FIG. 10C may be arranged inany appropriate fashion, including both horizontal and verticalstacking, arranging the pouches 410 in a vertical arrangement asdepicted in the figure offers several benefits. For example, whenmultiple pouches are sequentially arranged between the pressing elementsof an associated juicer, the force applied by the pressing elements tothe juicer cartridges is evenly applied to all of the food mattercontained within the separate pouches 410. Without wishing to be boundby theory, this may facilitate more even and complete juice extractionfrom the food matter contained within the juicer cartridge 400. This isin contrast to arrangements where the separate pouches are horizontallyarranged relative to the pressing elements of an associated juicer whenthe juicer cartridge is positioned therein. In such an arrangement, thepressing elements of the associated juicer will apply a largercompressive force to the harder food matter contained within the pouches410 which may result in incomplete juice extraction from the food matterin the other surrounding pouches.

FIGS. 11A-11F present one embodiment of a juicer 450. In the depictedembodiment, the juicer includes a body 452 and a cover 462 that can berotated about a pivot connection to open the juicer. The juicer alsoincludes a first pressing element 454 which includes a first pressingsurface constructed and arranged to contact a juicer cartridge 400.Depending on the embodiment, the first pressing element 454 isstationary. The juicer also includes a second pressing element includingat least one sidewall 458 attached to a top wall 456. The top wallfunctions as a second pressing surface that is constructed and arrangedto contact the juicer cartridge 400. Additionally, the first pressingelement 454, the at least one sidewall 458 and top wall 456 cooperate toform an open chamber 460. In the depicted embodiment, the at least onesidewall corresponds to a single rounded sidewall 458 that includes anopening to the open chamber 460. Additionally, in some embodiments, thetop wall 456 and the at least one sidewall 458 form a cantileverstructure, though other arrangements and constructions are alsopossible. The open chamber 460 is sized and shaped to accept acorresponding juicer cartridge 400 when the cover 462 is opened, seeFIG. 11B. Additionally, in some embodiments, the opening in the at leastone side wall is sized and shaped such that the juicer cartridge may beinserted through the opening and into the chamber. Similar to theembodiments described above, and outlet 406 of the juicer cartridge 400extends out from the juicer such that juice extracted from within thejuicer cartridge does not contact the various portions of the juicerduring operation. The juicer 450 also includes a drive, not depicted,that is constructed and arranged to apply a downward directed force tothe at least one sidewall. This downward force displaces the secondpressing element and associated second pressing surface, correspondingto the top wall 456, towards the pressing surface of the first pressingelement 454, see FIG. 11F. as depicted in the figure, the chamber 460remains open during juice extraction.

In addition to the various components described above, the juicer 450depicted in FIGS. 11A-11F, is also angled relative to a surface it ispositioned on. Correspondingly, the various pressing elements andpressing surfaces are also angled relative to the surface the juicer 450is positioned on. Without wishing to be bound by theory, such anarrangement utilizes gravity to further facilitate the flow of juicefrom within a compressed juicer cartridge through the outlet 406 and outof the associated juicer 450. Appropriate angles of the pressingelements, pressing surfaces, and other appropriate components of thejuicer relative to the surface on which the juicer is disposed aregreater than about 10°, 20°, 30°, or any other appropriate angle.Additionally the angle may be less than about 45°, 40°, 30°, or anyother appropriate angle. For example, the angle may be between about 20°and 45°.

In some embodiments, it is desirable to control both the magnitude andtiming of force application during a juice extraction process. Onespecific embodiment of a juicer 450 that is constructed to apply adesired force profile is depicted in FIGS. 12-13C. In the depictedembodiment, the juicer includes a first pressing element 454 and asecond pressing element 456 disposed above the first pressing element.The first and second pressing elements define a pressing chamber locatedbetween them that is constructed and arranged to contain an associatedjuicer cartridge 400. Similar to the above embodiments, the secondpressing element 456 is connected to two sidewalls 458 arranged onopposing sides of the second pressing element. As illustrated in FIG.13A, a downward directed force is applied to the second pressing elementby an associated drive to displace it towards the first element andcompress the juicer cartridge 400 there between. The sidewalls 458 andconnected second pressing element 456 are guided downwards along adesired path through the use of associated guide pins 482 which areattached to the corresponding support walls 464 and positioned withinthe guide slots 484 formed in the sidewalls 458.

While any appropriate drive such as a hydraulic or pneumatic systemmight be used to power the juicer 450, in this embodiment, anelectromechanical drive is used. The electromechanical drive isconstructed and arranged such that it fits within a footprint of thejuicer that is substantially equal to an area of the first and secondpressing elements. However, embodiments in which the drive is eithersmaller, or larger, then an area of the first and second pressingelements are also contemplated. The electromechanical drive includes oneor more cams 466 including a slot forming a camming surface 468 with adesired camming profile. The camming profile is shaped to provide adesired force profile versus pressing element displacement. The one ormore cams 466 are driven by a motor 470 connected to the cam 466 by anassociated transmission which may include various components such as aworm gear 472, one or more intermediate reducing gears 474, and a finalspur gear 476 attached to the one or more cams 466. While a particulartransmission is depicted in the figures, any appropriate transmissionincluding various combinations of cams, wedges, linkages, gear trains,hydraulic components, pneumatic components, or any other appropriateform of transmission might be used. In the depicted embodiment, two camsare attached to the spur gear 476 and separately attached to the twosidewalls 458. When the spur gear 476 is rotated by the associated motor470 and transmission, the camming surfaces 468 of the cams 466 rotate todisplace associated cam pins 480 which are located within the slotsforming the camming surfaces 468. The cam pins are also attached to thesidewalls 458, and pass through a bushing 478 and vertically orientedelongated slots 486 located in the support walls 464. Thus, as the spurgear 476 and associated cams 466 are rotated, the cam pins 480 aredisplaced either up or down depending on the direction of rotation ofthe motor. Correspondingly, the associated second pressing element 456is either displaced towards or away from the first pressing element 454,see FIGS. 13A-13C. This relative displacement of the pressing elementscompresses a juicer cartridge 400 located between the two pressingelements to dispense juice from an outlet 406 extending out from thejuicer and into a corresponding glass 486, or other appropriatecontainer. One advantage of keeping the lower first pressing element 454stationery is illustrated by FIG. 13C. Specifically, in such anembodiment, the outlet 406, or other dispensing point of juice from thejuicer, is held stationary relative to the glass 486. In other words,the outlet 406 is maintained at a constant height relative to a surfaceon which the juicer is disposed to facilitate dispensing of the juiceinto the glass 486.

Regardless of the specific type of drive used, a juicer drive system maybe constructed and arranged to provide a desired force profile duringjuice extraction. For example, in one embodiment, a drive is constructedand arranged to displace a second pressing element towards a firstpressing element similar to the embodiment noted above. Additionally,the drive is constructed and arranged to apply between about: 6700 N to35,600 N (1500 pounds to 8000 pounds) or 17,800 N to 26,700 N (4000pounds to 6000 pounds) for a consumer appliance; 7750 N to about 44,500N (1750 pounds to 10,000 pounds) for an office or corporate appliance;and 8900 N to about 53,400 N (2000 pounds to 12,000 pounds) for arestaurant or food service appliance to an associated juicer cartridgeduring a final portion of the second pressing element displacement. Thefinal portion over which the above noted forces are applied is betweenabout the final: 3 mm and 13 mm (0.1 inches to 0.5 inches) for aconsumer appliance; 5 mm and 20 mm (0.2 inches and 0.8 inches) for anoffice or corporate appliance; 9 mm and 30 mm (0.35 inches to 1.2inches) for a restaurant or food service appliance, or any otherappropriate final amount of travel of the second pressing element.Without wishing to be bound by theory, applying the larger forces duringthe final portions of operation may help to limit the duration overwhich stresses are applied to the juicer. Additionally, this forceprofile may enhance juice extraction by applying the larger forces afterthe food matter has been fully distributed within a pressing chamber ofthe juicer and after the food matter is more fully confined within thatspace. In addition to controlling the force profile, the second pressingelement may have a total displacement that is less than or equal toabout: 38 mm (1.5 inches) for a consumer appliance; 95 mm (3.75 inches)for an office or corporate appliance; 127 mm (5 inches) for a restaurantor food service appliance, or any other appropriate distance as thedisclosure is not so limited. Additionally, a gap between about: 4 mmand 9 mm (0.15 inches to 0.35 inches) for a consumer appliance; 6 mm and15 mm (0.25 inches and 0.6 inches) for an office or corporate appliance;8 mm and 25 mm (0.3 inches to 1 inch) for a restaurant or food serviceappliance, or any other appropriate range of distances may be leftbetween the first and second pressing elements after the second pressingelement has been fully displaced during juice extraction. While anembodiment in which one of the pressing elements is held stationary isdescribed above, embodiments in which both pressing elements of thejuicer are displaced are also contemplated. In such an embodiment, thedistances noted above may apply to the combined travel of the pressingelements. Additionally, while particular forces and distances are notedabove with regards to particular applications, it should be understoodthat any appropriate combination of forces and distances, includingforces and distances that are both greater and less than those notedabove, might be used as the disclosure is not so limited.

In addition to the above, FIG. 12 depicts an embodiment in which, atleast a portion of one or more of the pressing elements 454 and 456includes a concave pressing surface in addition to forming a pressingchamber in which the associated juicer cartridge 400 is positioned.Specifically, the upper surface of the first pressing element orientedtowards the juicer cartridge 400 has a concave shape across its entiresurface and the corresponding second pressing element 456 has a pressingsurface oriented towards the juicer cartridge 400 that is substantiallyflat. However, as previously noted, the second pressing element mightalso have a concave surface, a convex surface, and/or a surface thatcomplements a shape of the corresponding first pressing element.

While juicers including juicing mechanisms with first and secondpressing elements that are moved towards one another have been discussedabove, the current disclosure is not limited in this fashion. Instead,any appropriate arrangement or configuration of elements used to apply aforce to a juicer cartridge in order to extract juice from a juicercartridge might be used. For example, in another embodiment, and asdepicted in FIG. 14, a juicer may include a juicing mechanism 600configured as a roller press. The roller press includes a pair ofrollers 602 which used to compress a juicer cartridge 200 fed betweenthe rollers. For example, the juicer cartridge 200 can pass through anip defined by the two opposing rolls 602 to compress the food mattercontained within the cartridge to extract juice 201. While a particulararrangement of rollers has been depicted, other arrangements are alsopossible.

While a consumer might fill a juicer cartridge with a food matter foruse in a juicer system, in some instances it may be desirable to providepre-packaged juicer cartridges. Therefore, the consumer merely needs topurchase the pre-packaged juicer cartridges of their choosing to get adesired juice. This may increase the convenience associated withproducing juice with a juicer in a home or small commercial environment.Consequently, in some embodiments, a separate packing system may belocated in a remotely located food processing facility. This packingsystem may produce prefilled juicer cartridges and/or individual pouchesfilled with food matter for use by a consumer. Alternatively, a packingsystem might be designed on a smaller scale to enable a consumer toproduce their own juicer cartridges at home as the disclosure is not solimited.

FIG. 15 depicts one embodiment of a packing system 800 for processingproduce into smaller pieces prior to loading as well as loading andsealing of the juicer cartridges. In one embodiment, a packing system800 may comprise a grinder assembly 805 and packing assembly 830.Packing assembly 830 may further comprise a food matter insertionsection 840, vacuum section 845, and gas injection section 850. Thepacking assembly may further comprise an outer housing 835 that mayprovide a controlled environment on the interior that may be, forexample, impervious to outside air, bacteria, or other contaminants. Thefood matter insertion section 840, vacuum section 845, and gas injectionsection 850 may be disposed within the outer housing 880. In someembodiments, the outer housing 835 may also have an opening 860 forprocessed food matter 825 to enter the packing assembly 830, and anotheropening 865 through which the finished juicer cartridges may exit theassembly. While a separate grinder 805 and packing assembly 830 havebeen depicted, depending on the embodiment, the grinder 805 and packingassembly 830 may be integrated within a single housing with a singleinput port and single output port.

Turning now to the operation, in one embodiment, grinder 805 maycomprise a blade 810 within a hopper 815. Hopper 815 may be configuredto receive unprocessed food matter (e.g., whole or peeled fruits orvegetables) for further processing. The blade may be connected to amotor, not depicted, and control assembly 820. The control assembly 820may control the blade 810 to chop the food matter in hopper 815 intoprocessed food matter 825 comprising smaller chunks or pieces that aresuitable for juicing. In some embodiments, the blade 810 may be formedfrom a material that is resistant to frictional heating, such asceramic, to help reduce heating of the food matter during processing.Additionally, in some embodiments, control assembly 820 may control theblade 810 to rotate at a speed such that the friction of the bladeagainst the food matter does not impart excessive heat to the foodmatter which could destroy valuable compounds in the food matter.Depending on the desired output, the grinder 805 may output processedfood matter 825 in the form of cubes, slices, pulp, or slurry, asdisclosed herein. The processed food matter 890 may subsequently betransferred to an associated packing assembly 830 via a conveyor, tube,or other conveyance, for packing.

Upon receiving the processed food matter 825, a food matter injectionsystem 840 may insert the processed food mater 825 into a pouch of thetype described herein. This insertion may be accomplished in any numberof ways including, but not limited to, the use of a piston-like assemblyas depicted in the figure that receives processed food matter anddirects it into the juicer cartridge. Therefore, it should be understoodthat any mechanism capable of transferring processed food matter intothe cartridge may be utilized as the disclosure is not so limited. Thenow filled cartridge may subsequently be transferred to vacuum section845 where air in the cartridge is removed using any applicable method.An inert gas may then be pumped into the cartridge in the gas injectionsection 850 before sealing and ejecting the final juicer cartridge fromthe packing assembly 830. The cartridges may either be sealed with inthe packing assembly 830, or they may be sealed in a subsequent stepoutside of the packing assembly 830.

It should be understood that the above-noted packaging processes mayaccomplished manually, automatically, or by a combination of both. Thensince is where the process is automated, the process may be accomplishedwith minimal need for manual intervention helping to reduce the overallcost of the juicer system. Additionally, while certain arrangement ofthe components and processes are described above, embodiments in whichany or all of the components are provided in a single system or asmultiple discrete components are possible.

Examples

FIG. 16 presents a graph of pressing force versus platen height duringjuice extraction for a variety of fruits, vegetables, and greens. Asnoted above, over and under extraction of juice from a particular typeof food matter is undesirable. Therefore, it is desirable to maintain adesired force range during the final portions of juice extraction. Theregion between the dashed lines between a platen height of about 0.1inches to about 0.5 inches (about 3 mm to about 13 mm) correspond toapplying extraction forces during at least a portion of this finalplaten displacement that are greater than about 6,700 N (1,500 pounds)and less than 35,600 N (8000 pounds). It should be understood that thepresent example was sized for a consumer appliance application.Consequently, as noted previously, the forces and platen traveldistances are expected to be different for appliances used in an office,corporate, restaurant, and/or food service application.

While the present teachings have been described in conjunction withvarious embodiments and examples, it is not intended that the presentteachings be limited to such embodiments or examples. On the contrary,the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, andequivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. Forexample, the various embodiments described herein may rearranged,separated, and/or combined in any appropriate manner. Accordingly, theforegoing description and drawings are by way of example only.

What is claimed is: 1-28. (canceled)
 29. A juicer cartridge comprising:a liquid impermeable compartment including a first compartment at leastpartially surrounding liquid containing food matter and a secondcompartment containing a material; and an outlet associated with theliquid impermeable compartment and fluidly connected to the firstcompartment and the second compartment, wherein the second compartmentis either disposed within the outlet or the second compartment islocated proximate to the outlet and the first compartment is removedfrom the outlet.
 30. The juicer cartridge of claim 29, wherein the firstcompartment is fluidly connected to the outlet through the secondcompartment.
 31. The juicer cartridge of claim 29, wherein the secondcompartment is sealed and bursts above a threshold pressure releasingthe material contained therein.
 32. The juicer cartridge of claim 29,wherein the first compartment and the second compartment are fluidlyconnected to the outlet through a common channel.
 33. The juicercartridge of claim 29, further comprising a combining chamber fluidlydisposed between the outlet and the first and second compartments,wherein liquid extracted from the food matter and the material from thesecond compartment are combined into a single stream in the combiningchamber.
 34. The juicer cartridge of claim 33, wherein the combiningchamber includes one or more mixers.
 35. The juicer cartridge of claim29, wherein the material is at least one of a gel, powder, dissolvablesubstance, flavoring, additive, dietary supplement, vitamin, extract,mineral, dried fruit, dried vegetable, nut, herb, freeze dried oil,spice, and alcohol.
 36. The juicer cartridge of claim 29, furthercomprising a liquid permeable compartment disposed in the firstcompartment and at least partially surrounding the food matter.
 37. Thejuicer cartridge of claim 29, wherein the liquid impermeable compartmentis capable of supporting pressures sufficient to extract liquid from thefood matter.
 38. A juicer cartridge comprising: a liquid impermeablecompartment including a first compartment at least partially surroundingliquid containing food matter and a sealed second compartment containinga material, wherein the second compartment bursts above a thresholdpressure; and an outlet associated with the liquid impermeablecompartment and fluidly connected to the first compartment and thesecond compartment wherein pressing the liquid impermeable compartmentextracts liquid from the food matter contained in the first chamber andbursts the second compartment above a threshold pressure releasing thematerial contained therein.
 39. The juicer cartridge of claim 38,wherein the first compartment is fluidly connected to the outlet throughthe second compartment.
 40. The juicer cartridge of claim 38, whereinthe first compartment and the second compartment are fluidly connectedto the outlet through a common channel.
 41. The juicer cartridge ofclaim 38, further comprising a combining chamber fluidly disposedbetween the outlet and the first and second compartments, wherein liquidextracted from the food matter and the material released from the secondcompartment are combined into a single stream in the combining chamberprior to flowing through the outlet.
 42. The juicer cartridge of claim41, wherein the combining chamber includes one or more mixers.
 43. Thejuicer cartridge of claim 38, wherein the material is at least one of agel, powder, dissolvable substance, flavoring, additive, dietarysupplement, vitamin, extract, mineral, dried fruit, dried vegetable,nut, herb, freeze dried oil, spice, and alcohol.
 44. The juicercartridge of claim 38, further comprising a liquid permeable compartmentdisposed in the first compartment and at least partially surrounding thefood matter.
 45. The juicer cartridge of claim 38, wherein the liquidimpermeable compartment is capable of supporting pressures sufficient toextract liquid from the food matter.